Bill > SB1065

This bill amends Oklahoma state law to increase the maximum compensation for noneconomic damages in civil bodily injury cases from $350,000 to $500,000. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow for unlimited noneconomic damages in cases where a judge and jury find clear and convincing evidence of reckless disregard, gross negligence, fraud, or intentional malice. The legislation defines key terms such as "bodily injury" (physical harm or sickness), "economic damages" (financial losses like lost wages or medical costs), and "noneconomic damages" (intangible losses like pain and suffering). The bill preserves existing requirements for how damages are calculated and reported, including the requirement that juries cannot be informed about damage limitations during trials. Importantly, the bill extends the effective date to November 1, 2025, and does not apply to governmental tort claims or certain constitutional wrongful death actions. The primary purpose of this bill appears to be adjusting the maximum noneconomic damage caps to reflect potential increases in medical costs and personal suffering over time.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1065&Session=2600